Samburu

Safaris in Samburu aren’t just about ticking off the “Big Five”; they offer the chance to see the “Samburu Special Five” – animals you can observe in this region! This unique quintet includes the reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and the gerenuk. Reticulated giraffes are a rare sight in the wild, with just over 8,000 individuals remaining. Their coat pattern comprises large, polygonal, brownish-orange patches outlined by a network of pure white lines. Grevy’s zebras also stand out from their relatives with finer and more elegant stripes along their flanks and backs. The Beisa oryx, a type of serow, is an rare species of antelope native to the arid plains of Africa and teetering on the brink of extinction.

The landscape in Samburu is diverse. You can marvel at the dry, thorny savanna and the riverine forests, the waters of the Ewaso Ng’iro River sustain whose vegetation. During the dry season, the riverbed dries up, and animals come here to dig small holes that fill with water, quenching their thirst. This is a prime location to observe the lives of elephants – the majestic giants of Africa – as they use their tusks to dig for water in the parched earth! Crocodiles also inhabit this area, remaining in burrows dug into the riverbed during the dry season. Incidentally, the dry season is the best time for wildlife viewing, as the sparse vegetation makes spotting animals much easier. You can even explore the Ewaso Ng’iro riverbed on quad bikes!